🎯 All Moments (61)
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Beyond the Octagon: Michael Page's Diverse Business Ventures
Michael Page reveals his entrepreneurial spirit outside of fighting, discussing his beef jerky company 'Snapdown Snacks' and his Mexican restaurant in the UK, which has hosted celebrity tequila and vodka brands, showcasing his diverse business interests.
The Unparalleled Mental Pressure of Fighting
Joe and MVP discuss why fighting presents the biggest mental hurdle in sports: there's no team to fall back on, only the highest highs and lowest lows. They emphasize that the immense, unexplainable pressure of performing alone in front of the world is a unique challenge in combat sports.
From 'Brutal' to Professional: MVP's MMA Journey
Michael 'Venom' Page reflects on his initial perception of MMA as 'brutal' and not a path he saw for himself, especially as a point fighter. He explains how his successful kickboxing career eventually stagnated, lacking recognition and financial support, prompting him to seek a new competitive outlet.
The Real Challenge: The Day Before The Fight
Joe and MVP reveal a profound truth about fighting: the day of the fight is the hardest part, not the actual fight itself. They discuss the immense mental hurdle and fear fighters face before the bell rings, citing Cleo Roundtree's ultimate bravery against Pereira as an example of facing imminent defeat with courage.
MVP's Strategy for Commitment: Announce Your Retirement
Facing a career change, Michael 'Venom' Page shares a powerful strategy for commitment: publicly announcing his retirement from kickboxing to as many people as possible. This made it 'hard for me to turn back on it,' forcing him to fully commit to exploring new paths like MMA.
From Fear to Flow: MVP's First Fight Nerves
Michael 'Venom' Page shares a rare glimpse into his inner world, describing the intense fear and self-doubt he experienced before his very first professional fight, a stark contrast to his now-famous confident walkouts. He explains how he questioned his decision to fight, only to find his rhythm and confidence once the bell rang.
Jon Jones' Competitive Edge: Growing Up with Beasts
Joe and MVP discuss Jon Jones's background, highlighting how growing up with two older, highly athletic and competitive brothers instilled in him a unique mindset. They explain the significant advantage of being accustomed to hostility and aggression from a young age, shaping his mental toughness for fighting.
Michael Page's Mysterious Ankle Injury Before Ian Garry Fight
Michael Page recounts a mysterious and severe ankle injury that left him unable to stand on his left foot the day before his UFC fight with Ian Garry. Despite extensive therapy and needing taped ankle supports, he refused to pull out of the fight.
Why 'Helpful' Sparring Harms Fighters: The Need for Accuracy
MVP shares a coaching philosophy about sparring, arguing against pulling punches too much. He explains that hitting students accurately in the gym, even if not hard, is crucial for preparing them for real fights, as it teaches them genuine defense and prevents them from developing a false sense of security.
MVP: The Proof of Concept for Point Fighters in MMA
Joe Rogan explains how Michael 'Venom' Page served as the ultimate proof of concept for the effectiveness of point fighters in MMA. He highlights the challenge of grappling for strikers, but emphasizes that once takedown defense is solved, the advantage of every fight starting standing up in a unique striking realm is immense.
MVP's Visual Learning & Dad's Mentorship
Michael 'Venom' Page explains that his 'click' moment of improvement was partly due to being a visual learner. His dad, despite MVP getting 'his ass kicked' in junior competitions, made him sit and watch the senior fighters, allowing him to absorb high-level techniques and develop his skills through observation.
Michael Page Fought with Severe Shoulder Injuries: Couldn't Do a Push-Up
Michael Page reveals he fought multiple Bellator fights with debilitating shoulder and lat injuries, admitting he couldn't even do a push-up. He shares his mindset of pushing through pain as long as he could still throw a punch or kick.
Psychological Warfare: 'Calm Down' in the Cage
Michael 'Venom' Page recalls a moment during his fight with Jared Cannonier where, after landing a significant strike, he told his opponent to 'calm down.' He explains how this seemingly simple action is a deliberate form of psychological warfare, adding to the frustration of his opponents.
The Unpredictable Danger of Elite Point Fighters like Raymond Daniels
Joe Rogan connects MVP's unique style to Raymond Daniels, emphasizing the distinct and challenging skillset of elite point fighters. MVP shares a personal anecdote of sparring Daniels, where he was caught off guard by his unexpected power and lightning speed, highlighting how Daniels proved himself a truly dangerous and disorienting opponent.
The Unsung Greatness of Fabricio Werdum
Joe and MVP discuss grappling as a legitimate path to victory in MMA, their favorite finishing styles, and highlight Fabricio Werdum's incredible but often overlooked achievement of tapping out legendary heavyweights like Fedor, Noggera, and Minotauro.
Wonderboy Thompson Refuses to Train MVP's Opponents
Michael 'Venom' Page shares a humorous anecdote about Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson, another prominent point fighter, refusing to train his opponents because he wants MVP to win. This highlights the rarity and effectiveness of their unique fighting style in MMA.
Fedor's Unparalleled Genius and Minotauro's Lethal Guard
Joe and MVP delve into the incredible prime of Fedor Emelianenko, his unique blend of lightning-fast submissions and striking power, and his fight with Crocop. They also praise Minotauro Nogueira's dangerous ground game and his legendary fight against Bob Sap.
The Dangers of Extreme Weight Cutting in MMA
Joe Rogan and Michael Page discuss the pervasive issue of extreme weight cutting in MMA, highlighting how fighters often rehydrate to weights far exceeding their official weigh-in, making a mockery of weight classes and endangering fighter health.
Travis Lutter's Crippling Weight Cut for Anderson Silva Fight
Joe Rogan recounts the extreme and devastating weight cut Travis Lutter endured before fighting Anderson Silva, describing how Lutter was so dehydrated he shuffled to the scale with cracked lips, severely impacting his performance against one of the greatest fighters of all time.
The Blessing and Curse of MVP's Unique Style
Michael 'Venom' Page discusses the 'blessing and a curse' of his highly unique fighting style. While it provides an advantage in fights, it makes finding sparring partners incredibly difficult because other fighters don't encounter anyone else like him, limiting the incentive to train for his specific style.
The Ideal Weight Cut: Random Checks & Therapeutic Methods
Joe Rogan and Michael Page discuss a potential solution to extreme weight cutting in MMA: random weight checks for fighters. Michael Page then describes his own 'perfect' and therapeutic weight cut routine, contrasting it with the dangerous methods many fighters employ.
Michael Page: From Martial Artist to Filmmaker
Michael Page shares his passion for filmmaking and acting, discussing his two short films, 'Runner' and 'Wait,' and his desire to express art beyond fighting. He emphasizes his commitment to setting himself up for a creative life after MMA, viewing fighting itself as a form of art.
The Genius of Duane 'Bang' Ludwig: The System Behind TJ Dillashaw's Style
Joe Rogan explains the innovative fighting system devised by coach Duane 'Bang' Ludwig for TJ Dillashaw, which focused on overwhelming opponents with possibilities through constant stance switching, combinations, and movement, making him one of the most unpredictable fighters.
The Unbelievable "Hadukan" KO: Galore Bofondo's UFC Moment
MVP shares a wild story about Galore Bofondo, a former UFC fighter with a super unique and explosive style. He recounts Bofondo's "Hadukan" slam KO in the UFC, where he threw his opponent's head into the floor, and marvels at his incredible athleticism and landing technique.
Michael Page's Unpredictable Style: Welcome to a New Challenge
Michael Page explains how his unique and unpredictable fighting style provides a significant advantage against stand-up fighters, making it incredibly difficult for even the smartest opponents to decipher and counter, promising a new experience for anyone who steps into the cage with him.
TJ Dillashaw's Career-Ending Shoulder Injuries: A Fighter's Sacrifice
Joe Rogan and Michael Page discuss TJ Dillashaw's severe and chronic shoulder injuries, which plagued his career and ultimately led to his retirement. They highlight the incredible sacrifice and pain fighters endure, with Dillashaw even telling a referee his shoulder would pop out during a fight.
The Unhealthy Ritual of Weight Cutting: A Call for Change
MVP discusses the physical disadvantage of fighting opponents significantly heavier due to weight cutting, even at his natural middleweight. Joe Rogan acknowledges the ritualistic aspect of weight cutting for many fighters but strongly criticizes the purposeful depletion of the body 24 hours before a fight, comparing it to getting drunk. They highlight the insufficient rehydration time and suggest that such extreme measures should be considered cheating, similar to steroid use.
Pereira's Massive Weight Cut & The Dark Side of Dehydration in Fighting
Joe Rogan and Michael Page discuss extreme weight cuts, citing Alex Pereira fighting 35 pounds heavier than weigh-in and other fighters like Brian Ortega and 'Sugar' Sean O'Malley experiencing severe dehydration, blackouts, and even a 30-minute coma from weight cutting.
TJ Dillashaw: From 'Dead Man' to 'Tank' – The Flyweight Cut That Shocked The World
Joe Rogan and Michael Page vividly recall TJ Dillashaw's infamous weight cut to flyweight, describing his emaciated appearance as 'a dead man' or 'a hostage' and comparing it to his current 'tank' physique, highlighting the extreme transformation and dangers of such cuts.
TJ Dillashaw's Underdog Masterpiece: The Barao Fight
Joe Rogan describes TJ Dillashaw's legendary performance against Renan Barao as one of the finest championship performances in MMA history. He highlights how Dillashaw, as an underdog, utilized constant movement and overwhelming offense to dominate the 'boogeyman' Barao.
The Origin of 'Venom' & Creative Martial Arts
Michael 'Venom' Page shares the origin of his nickname, which came when he was nine years old because he 'had a whack' on him despite losing. Inspired by kung fu movies like 'The Five Deadly Venoms,' he developed a creative, unconventional approach to martial arts, always adding his own unique moves and flair.
MVP's Philosophy: Power Only Matters If You Land
Michael 'Venom' Page succinctly explains his fighting philosophy: raw power is irrelevant if you can't connect. His entire strategy revolves around not being touched and using that elusiveness to mess with opponents' minds, turning fights into psychological warfare.
MVP Addresses 'Fighting Cans' Criticism
Michael 'Venom' Page addresses the long-standing criticism that he only 'fights cans' (easy opponents). He explains that his unique fighting style makes even highly talented fighters look less skilled because they are fighting on a different 'wavelength and timing,' leading to their frustration and making his victories seem easier than they are.
The Gruesome Cyborg Fight: Only Seen in Car Accidents
Michael 'Venom' Page and Joe Rogan discuss the infamous Cyborg fight, where MVP delivered one of the most gruesome knockouts in MMA history. MVP reveals that doctors compared the caved-in head injury to something only seen in severe car accidents, never in a fighting sport.
The 'Baseball Bat on a Pumpkin' Sound: MVP Didn't Know
Joe Rogan and Michael 'Venom' Page discuss the infamous sound of the Cyborg fight knockout, described as a 'baseball bat on a pumpkin.' MVP reveals he didn't realize the severity of the injury at the time, thinking it was just a knockout, and only found out the next day, explaining why he celebrated.
The Awkward Cyborg Reunion: Another Broken Leg
Michael 'Venom' Page recounts an incredibly awkward encounter with Cyborg two and a half years after their fight. Despite MVP's desire to reconcile, the situation was exacerbated when Cyborg's student, fighting MVP's teammate on the same card, also suffered a broken leg, making the reunion profoundly uncomfortable.
MVP's First Grappling: Tapping Every Two Seconds, But Loved It
Michael 'Venom' Page recounts his first experience with grappling at London Shoot Fighters, admitting he had no prior experience and was 'tapping every two seconds.' Despite the initial humiliation, he 'loved it,' demonstrating a remarkable mindset for learning and growth in a new discipline.
MVP: From Hate to Championing a Unique Style
Michael 'Venom' Page recounts the initial criticism and 'hate' he received for his unconventional fighting style when he first entered MMA, contrasted with Joe Rogan's long-standing advocacy for point fighters and their elusive, fencing-like approach, validating MVP's unique place in the sport.
The Advantage of Unpredictability: MVP vs. Pattern Recognition
Joe Rogan explains why Michael 'Venom' Page's unconventional fighting style is so effective in MMA. While most fighters rely on 'pattern recognition,' MVP's unique movements and stances force opponents to constantly 'make up new patterns as they go along,' giving him a significant mental and physical advantage.
The Cuban System: How Hunger Creates Machines
Joe Rogan recounts Yoel Romero's story about the extreme motivation in the Cuban athletic system, where higher-caliber athletes receive more food, pushing them to become 'machines' just to survive and thrive.
Leading by Example: The Militant Force of Coaches
Michael 'Venom' Page shares how his coaches lead by extreme example, pushing themselves to incredible physical feats even without upcoming fights, demonstrating a 'militant force' that earns respect and inspires their fighters.
Why Marketability Trumps Skill: MVP's Blunt Career Advice
Michael 'Venom' Page explains to his teammates that simply winning fights isn't enough for career success in sports. He argues that promoters will choose a decent but marketable fighter over a dominant but quiet one, emphasizing the crucial role of self-promotion.
MVP's Marketing Masterclass: Studying The Rock & WWE
Michael 'Venom' Page reveals his unexpected inspiration for personal branding: meticulously studying Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's WWE performances to learn how to captivate an audience with simple sayings and commanding stage presence, which he then applied to his MMA persona.
Joe Rogan's Essential Advice for Aspiring MMA Fighters: Master Wrestling & Point Fighting
Joe Rogan offers crucial advice for kids aspiring to be MMA fighters: prioritize wrestling for a strong grappling and takedown defense base, and then learn point fighting to develop effective striking, distance control, and evasiveness, referencing legendary karate wizard Billy Blanks.
Khamzat's Corner: The 'Win at All Costs' Title Fight Strategy
Joe Rogan discusses the pragmatic, high-stakes strategy employed by Khamzat Chimaev's corner in his title fight. Despite Khamzat asking to box, his team insisted on taking the opponent down and controlling for the win, highlighting how the 'clearest, most intelligent' path to victory can override the desire for an exciting finish when a 'billion dollars' is on the line.
The Missing Piece: Mental Coaching in MMA
Reflecting on a talented teammate who never performed to his gym potential in fights, MVP and Joe discuss the critical but often overlooked role of mental coaching in combat sports. They highlight the need for fighters to develop a "mental toolbox" to manage anxiety and negativity during high-pressure competition.
Ngannou's Boxing Shocker & The Danger of Underestimation
The hosts discuss Francis Ngannou's surprising performance against Tyson Fury, claiming he basically won the fight, and how Fury likely took him too lightly. They contrast this with Ngannou's fight against Anthony Joshua, emphasizing the critical lesson of never underestimating an opponent in combat sports.
The Buster Douglas Upset: When Talent Meets Underestimation
Joe and MVP recall the legendary Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas fight as a perfect example of taking an opponent lightly. They discuss how Douglas, a super talented fighter who often didn't realize his full potential, delivered one of the greatest heavyweight performances ever when it truly counted, highlighting the difference between gym talent and fight-night performance.
Michael 'Venom' Page's Secret to Stress-Free Fighting: Fun
Michael 'Venom' Page shares his unique approach to managing fight-day stress: focusing on fun, dancing, and smiling. He explains how this keeps him loose and allows him to perform without anger, a mindset he attributes to growing up fighting his siblings with love and respect rather than animosity.
The Double-Edged Sword of Natural Talent
Joe and MVP explore the paradox of natural talent, suggesting that those for whom things come easily might be the most fearful in competition because they haven't developed the "grind" or the will to overcome daily challenges. They contrast this with the advantage of growing up with older brothers, which instills a constant readiness for hostility and competition.
Why Your Brain Needs Challenges: The Ancient Roots of Modern Depression
Joe and MVP discuss the human brain's evolutionary need for tasks and challenges, stemming from our tribal ancestors. They explain that a lack of meaningful tasks, common in modern life, can lead to depression, as our brains are wired for purpose. They contrast ancient dangers with trivial modern "dangers" like social media comments.
Hamzat's Insane Takedowns & The "Legalized Cheating" of Weight Cutting
Joe and MVP marvel at Hamzat Chimaev's incredible, long-distance takedown shots, citing examples like his fights with Whitaker and "The Leech." This leads into a passionate discussion about their strong dislike for weight cutting, which Joe calls "legalized cheating" due to the significant and unfair weight discrepancies it creates between fighters.
The 720 Kick: MVP's Opponent-Scaring Signature Move
Michael 'Venom' Page reveals how early footage of his signature 720 kick online often led to opponents pulling out of fights. Joe Rogan expresses his amazement at the complexity and effectiveness of the move, highlighting why it would deter any fighter.
MVP's Post-KO Thought Process & The Toxicity of Online Comments
Michael 'Venom' Page reveals his thought process immediately after his viral 720 kick KO, including his plan for a follow-up kick. He describes the profound relief of proving himself capable of a career in fighting, only to be met with a barrage of negative online comments, leading to Joe's advice on ignoring internet trolls.
MVP's Awkward Style: Forcing Opponents to Kick and Fail
Michael 'Venom' Page breaks down the strategy behind his "awkward style," explaining how he forces opponents into a dilemma where only kicks seem available. He describes how he then times and counters these kicks, slowly demoralizing his opponents who struggle to land punches or secure takedowns against his elusive range.
Why Fighters Still Cut Weight: The Unfair Advantage
MVP explains the unfortunate necessity of weight cutting in MMA, as not doing so means fighting significantly heavier "monsters." Joe Rogan brings up Frankie Edgar as a rare example of a champion who fought at his natural weight, showcasing the immense benefits of not dehydrating, such as better endurance, recovery, and ability to absorb strikes.
MVP's Iconic Walk-Off 720 Kick KO
Michael 'Venom' Page recounts the story of his iconic 720 kick knockout. He describes his initial tension before the fight, how he found his rhythm, and the opponent's predictable game plan. The clip culminates in the spectacular kick and his famous "standoff KO" where he didn't even look back at his downed opponent, leading to its viral status.
Why Modern Education Harms Resilience: The Participation Trophy Culture
Joe and MVP passionately debate the negative impact of modern education and parenting trends, particularly in the UK, that remove competitive elements and mollycoddle children. They argue that shielding kids from the discomfort of losing or being picked last prevents them from developing crucial resilience and mental toughness needed for real life, citing Lionel Richie's experience and the "tough men create good times" cycle.
MVP's Instinctive Block Against a Cartwheel Kick & Galore's Hidden Talents
Michael 'Venom' Page recounts an unbelievable sparring experience with Galore Bofondo, where his gut feeling and an unprecedented X-block saved him from a full front-flip ax kick. He describes Bofondo's insane, never-before-seen techniques that he rarely displayed in the cage, highlighting the raw, unexpressed talent of some fighters and the power of intuition.
Alex Pereira's Wild & Unconventional Routine
Joe Rogan shares astonishing details about Alex Pereira's highly unconventional training and weight-cutting routine. Pereira forgoes modern recovery methods like saunas and cold plunges, doesn't warm up, and cuts weight by simply 'stopping eating' on Tuesday, defying everything typically advised in combat sports.
The 'Click' Moment: Instantaneous Shift in Fighting Ability
Michael 'Venom' Page describes a pivotal 'click' moment after winning a junior competition, where his fighting ability instantaneously transformed. After years of consistently being defeated, he returned home and began 'smoking' every opponent who used to destroy him, marking a profound and sudden shift in his skills and confidence.